Hiking out in the East County has become my favorite place to find a trail. The biggest reason for me is that everywhere you are surrounded in mountain scenery and great views. Just driving to these trails provided you with that. Lawson and Gaskill Peak do not disappoint here , as the drive out as well as the hike itself offers beautiful scenery. Gaskill and Lawson peaks are located SE of Alpine, CA and about 10 miles north of the International border. They stand right at the SW boundary of Cleveland National Forest’s Descanso district.
You can reach Lawson Peak most directly by way of the south segment of Carveacre Road. Ostensibly this is a dirt road, but actually it’s more like a deeply rutted wide trail, best suited for hikers and expert mountain bikers. The start of the old road is precisely at mile-marker 13.0 along Lyons Valley Road, some three miles east of the intersection of Honey Springs Road and Skyline Truck Trail. Limited parking is available in two small turnouts on Lyons Valley Road. There is a Yellow Swing Gate that indicates the trail/road start,. This hike climbs the entire way so take your time, develop a nice easy pace and break if you need.
After climbing somewhat tediously to a crest in two miles, you descend a little to meet another dirt road coming in from the left. Lawson Peak lies straight ahead, a massive heap of granite slabs.
The fun begins as you plunge ahead through low brush and over boulders toward Lawson’s summit block — taking care to alert any rattlesnakes that may have become active in the warm sunshine. To reach the summit of Gaskill Peak, return to Carveacre Road and turn north. After 0.5 mile of road walking, you can find and follow an obscure path, on the left, see the arrow, up along Gaskill’s south ridge. A short but tricky bit of rock climbing puts you on the summit. large, flat expanse of granite, sheltered from the wind, lies near the summit a great spot for lunch. 
As always take your time, ankles can turn very easily on a trail, and if its hot lots of hydration………..Have fun and remember Hiking is good for the Mind…Body and Soul!
Distance – 7.1 Miles
Water/Snacks/Lunch: Take all of them at least 2 liters of water. more if hot
Elevation Gain/Loss – 2000 ft.
Max Elevation Reached – 3796 ft.
Difficulty Level – Moderate-Difficult
Lawson Gaskill Gallery
